Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-12-02
LlYlNs a Dismal, opnsr

There is, in one of the midland
counties of England, fine old and
rather historical mansion, with towers,
turrets, and mullioned windows. But.
o'as Tor all its attractive beauty, SAYS
writer in Chambers Journal. il pos-
eessed the one terrible drawback with
winch so many of our grand old man
SONS are unluckily atflicted-it had
Its ghost and it's haunted room, which
no servant would enter alone, even in
broad daylight, ard in which no one
ever, or very rarely, slept. With the
usual provoking irregularity which be.
longs to the tribe of disembodied
spirits, the ghost was known to walk"
~ the most inconvenient moments, al
ways appearing when not wanted, and
carefully disappointing every party of
valiant ghost-hunters whenever they
mustered up courage enough for the
watch. The ghost always appeared in
the attire Of medieval mcnk-brown
habit and cowl, rope-girdle, sandals,
and carried q parchment roll in one
hand.
About two years ago it happened
that the mansion was full of visitors.
and among the last to arrive was a very
we'll known canon of the church, cele-
brated for his unfagging spirits and
sparkling wit. But every room was
occupied. He was far too great favor
lite to be refused. What was to be
done? Happy thought haunted
chamber. The canon, as good priest,
would OF course have no fear of the
ghost, us this was his first visit. In
this, however, the good host was mis-
taken, for the witty canon had often
heard the story and knew all about it.
Accordingly he was committed to the
haunted chamber.
Next morning ut breakfast no one
appeared with brighter or happier
face or seemed fuller of high spirits or
exuberant fun. ut is quite clear"
thought the host, greatly relieved, "he
has not been disturbed in any way"
Next morning, and the next, and the
next, he still came down with the early
ones with the some light-hearted as
pect, which only those who have en-
joyed sound sleep or peaceful dreams
can wear. The hosts anxiety at length
could stand it no longer and he con-
graduated his visitor on the soundness
of his rest and quietude of his nights.
But the witty canon, seeing his oppor-
tunity, suddenly assuming very grave
face, informed his host that his first
night. at any rate, had been neither
quiet nor undisturbed. A sudden pause
and dead silence followed as the
canon proceeded to describe how, while
he was lying wide awake, he was aware
of the presence in the room of tall,
dark figure, which came up to the bed.
He observed that tie figure was
habited as monk and carried parch-
ment roll, with which it appeared to
point. The canon ended by dwelling
on its CHASTITY color and glazing, hor-
rible eyes, as they shone forth beneath
the dark cowl.
A dozen anxious questions at once
poured in upon the speaker: "What
did you dog" did you address it?"
sid he speak to you?" How did you
get rid of him?"
"How?" replied the witty canon.
"Why, very easily. I asked him to
subscribe to my schools and school
treat, when he vanished Immediately,
and need hardly add he has never
honored me with another visit"
TRESS As BEAUTIFUL OBJECTS.
WI. Al. 1..a1. A.